Two goals from Colombian substitute Jhon Duran saw Aston Villa salvage a 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side are now five points clear of Tottenham in the race for fourth as Jurgen Klopp is denied victory in penultimate Liverpool game
Jhon Duran came off the bench to score twice and earn Aston Villa a 3-3 draw with Liverpool that all but ensures they will play Champions League football next season.
Emiliano Martinez’s early own goal was the worst possible start for Villa but they equalised through Youri Tielemans only for Cody Gakpo to restore Liverpool’s advantage midway through the first half. Jarell Quansah added a third early in the second.
That came after Diego Carlos produced an extraordinary miss from near the goal-line that would have levelled it, while Ollie Watkins also had one disallowed for offside. But Duran’s spectacular intervention turned the tide late on to salvage a point for Unai Emery’s side.
The comeback means that anything less than victory for Tottenham at home to Manchester City on Tuesday evening would mean Villa are certain of fourth. It was a dramatic if unwanted finale for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in his final away game in charge.
Player ratings
Aston Villa: Martinez (5), Diego Carlos (5), Konsa (6), Torres (6), Digne (5), Diaby (7), Tielemans (7), McGinn (7), Douglas Luiz (6), Bailey (7), Watkins (7).
Subs used: Duran (8), Chambers (6).
Liverpool: Alisson (7), Alexander-Arnold (7), Quansah (7), Van Dijk (6), Gomez (7), Endo (6), Mac Allister (6), Elliott (7), Salah (7), Gakpo (7), Diaz (7).
Subs used: Gravenberch (6), Nunez (6), Szoboszlai (6), Jones (6).
Player of the match: Jhon Duran.
Klopp: It got away from us
“It got away from us tonight, there is no doubt about that,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “We played a really good game. One team was playing for absolutely everything and one team was playing football and wants to win the game.
“I think the character and the attitude the boys showed was outstanding. I would have loved to have won the game – Dom [Szoboszlai] had a chance in the box but when we gave away the 3-2 it was then really, really tricky. Then 3-3 and then they wanted to win.”
Speaking in the press conference afterwards about the emotions of taking charge of Liverpool away from home for the final time, Klopp joked that he was more professional than he thought. “I was completely in the game,” he said.
“But I appreciate so much what these boys and girls are doing. The away fans are always absolutely insane. It was a wonderful relationship, is a wonderful relationship. I always try to show my appreciation. The boys showed that as well with how many they played.”
Villa players share excitement
“There are some of us who have never been close to the Champions League in our life,” John McGinn told Sky Sports. “The manager has a no-excuse mentality. People have written us off and we have floated under the radar. We will have our Man City tops on tomorrow.”
Martinez was more succinct when addressing the supporters from the pitch. “Let’s go to the Champions League, baby,” he yelled. It was a more measured response from Emery, as one might expect. He preferred to focus on the final game against Crystal Palace.
Asked whether he will be watching Tottenham’s game against Manchester City, Emery said: “I will analyse this game tonight and I will watch Palace. It is my only objective.” He added: “Inch by inch. And still another inch to fight against Palace.”
Player of the match: Jhon Duran
“Big Jhon is a bit nuts and is a nightmare to have in your team but he has got quality,” Villa captain McGinn told Sky Sports. “We need to keep his feet on the ground over the next couple of days.” When those comments were put to Emery, he elaborated.
“He is very young, 20 years old but his potential is impossible to calculate or predict,” said the Villa boss. “But I believe in him.”
Emery added: “Football is different in Colombia. Tactically, this is the most difficult league in the world. You have to be compact always. We are working with him a lot to be very demanding. When he is not [demanding of himself], I am pushing him.
“But I know he will score, I know he will create chances. Today, I am very happy with how he helped us.”
